I’m an American Marxist-Leninist, so I know that it is materially possible for a privileged westerner to come around. But a few of us being able to unlearn the constant propaganda and overcome the horrific state of American education and the political climate isn’t enough.
The Overton window is so far to the right here in the United States that most don’t entertain the idea of a future beyond capitalism being possible or necessary. Even when Americans see this wretched system for what it is, they’d sooner turn to nihilism or accept whatever additional crumbs are thrown.
I know it’s important to maintain revolutionary optimism and always strive to be part of the solution, but it feels like an extra big battle to build a proper revolutionary left.
It would require deep statistical analysis of the population to see who would benefit from the downfall of USAmerican imperialism and from there a pool of who may have most revolutionary potential (maybe those who are propertyless, which is why the proleteriat are considered the most revolutionary). It is material interests that drives the focus; if your target audience is not going to benefit in the short to medium term from your offer then you’re not going to have a sustainable strategy. You may have those in the vanguard who engage class betrayal but the masses need to know they are going to benefit.
It is not about messaging or finding masses to sacrifice the little they have or brainwashing or any other idealist nonsense. It comes down to what can be offered in the short to medium term that aligns with socialist goals.
Maybe there is a sizable population in the US/West that reflects the above characteristics. Maybe there isn’t as the conditions aren’t there yet. I’m not sure at this point if I care. Maybe one day I will.